More pupils have mental health issues, say school staff

More pupils have mental health issues, say school staff
More children have mental health issues than two years ago, a survey of school teachers suggests.

More than half of 850 staff surveyed by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) agreed more pupils had developed problems.

On Monday, the ATL’s annual conference will debate a call for more support for vulnerable pupils in schools.

General secretary Dr Mary Bousted blamed “poverty, poor housing, unemployment and financial insecurity”.

School staff have had to “plug the gaps in social care as best they can”, said Dr Bousted.

Veterans’ mental health: Referrals rise by 26%

Veterans’ mental health: Referrals rise by 26%
Mental health referrals for ex-servicemen and women have increased by 26% in the last year, says a specialist mental health charity for veterans.

Combat Stress said referrals for ill mental health or post-traumatic stress disorder rose from 1,802 to 2,264.

It said an increase in veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan seeking help was the main reason for the rise.

Lil’ Chris’ family issue statement after Lowestoft death

Lil’ Chris’ family issue statement after Lowestoft death
Relatives of singer Lil’ Chris, who was found dead last week, said he had mental health issues and depression.

The 24-year-old, whose real name was Chris Hardman, was found in Lowestoft, Suffolk, on Monday.

A statement from his family said: “Chris had struggled with mental health issues and depression in recent years.

Norfolk and Suffolk mental health Skype ‘outsourcing’ causes concern

Norfolk and Suffolk mental health Skype ‘outsourcing’ causes concern
A health trust’s proposal to help treat patients with depression by using “staff from lower wage countries” via Skype showed a lack of understanding of mental health care, say campaigners.

The idea was put forward in a report to the government by the mental health trust for Norfolk and Suffolk.

Unison, which represents mental health staff, said the plan failed to show an understanding of mental health care.